Monday 26 January 2015

FG To Prevent APC From Forming Parallel Government

The Presidency on Sunday said it would resist any attempt by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to form a parallel government should President Goodluck Jonathan get elected in next month’s presidential election.



It further accused the opposition party of planning to instigate political crisis in the country if it failed to win the presidency.



The Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta, Mr. Kingsley Kuku, who chairs the presidential amnesty programme disclosed this in Port Harcourt while addressing an ethnic nationality summit, which attracted leadership of the various youths organizations drawn from the Niger Delta.



Reacting to threats by the APC to form an alternative government if it did not win the February 14 presidential election, Kuku revealed that the presidency was resolute on making the 2015 election free and fair but would resist attempt by any political party or group to cause mayhem after the election.



“If the APC is confident that it would win the presidential elections, why should the party now resort to threats? Nigeria is too big for any group of people to contemplate the idea of forming an alternative government when there already exists a legitimate administration voted into office by Nigerians,” Kuku said.



Going down memory lane, he stated that some politicians who were now members of the APC had, before the 2011 general election, threatened that there would be unrest if Jonathan won the election.



He noted that after the election, violence was unleashed, resulting in the death of many persons including members of the National Youth Service Corps. None of the chieftains of APC, he said, ever condemned the wanton destruction of lives and property in 2011.



The presidential aide assured that Jonathan would continue to run the affairs of the country notwithstanding the distractions posed by unwarranted opposition to his policies.



Citing the Boko Haram insurgency as one major indicator that the president did not believe in the resort to violence to resolve issues, Kuku said the president had offered amnesty to Boko Haram members on several occasion to no avail.



According to him, “Because of this, the government finds it disturbing that some persons are bent on taking vengeance against the former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Onyeabor Ihejirika, just because he tried to combat Boko Haram to preserve the unity of the country.”



The Special Adviser disclosed that measures were being worked out to make Anambra State a part of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) since it had become an oil producing state.

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Vacancies At International Development Organisation - NERI Nigeria

An International Development Organization is seeking applications from qualified Nigerian nationals for the following position:



Administrative Specialist

Job TypeFull Time

QualificationBA/BSc/HND

Experience 3 years

Location Abuja

Job Field Administration / Secretarial







Position Summary:

The Administrative Specialist provides support to various administrative and human resources functions and performs a broad range of administrative, clerical and secretarial duties. This position will be based at the head office located in Abuja, with program activities expected to be carried out in the North Eastern states. Limited travel may be required.



Reporting & Supervision:

The Administrative Specialist reports to the Human Resources & Administration Manager.



Primary Responsibilities:

Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:



With the guidance of HR & Admin Manger, maintain up-to date and accurate computer and hard copy personnel files, prepare job announcements/job descriptions, file documents in personnel files, conduct interviews, recruit staff, and facilitate new employee orientations and trainings.



Qualifications:



University degree in human resources, business administration, or related field is desired

Fluency in one or more of the local state languages in the North Eastern part of Nigeria is preferred.

Project Driver

Job TypeFull Time

QualificationSecondary School (SSCE)

Experience 3 years

Location Abuja

Job Field Transportation and Driving



Position Summary:

The driver is responsible for operating a vehicle owned by the organization to provide transportation services to the employees and visitors of the organization; to move expendable and non-expendable supplies, equipment and furnishings, as necessary; ensure that preventive maintenance of the vehicle is performed on a regular basis. The position will be based in Abuja, Nigeria. Travel is expected throughout North-East Nigeria.



Reporting & Supervision:

The project driver reports to the Human Resources & Administration Manager.



Primary Responsibilities:

Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:



Assist the project staff in obtaining and facilitating movement to different project sites.

Arrange for vehicle repairs, when necessary, and ensure that the vehicle is kept in good working condition.

Log official trips, daily mileage, gas consumption, maintenance, oil changes, etc.

Ensure that all required procedures and laws are adhered to when driving.

Collect and deliver mail or other type of correspondence, when required.



Qualifications:



Completion of Secondary School is required.

A minimum of 3 years’ experience driving a motor vehicle is required. At least 1-2 years of experience with an International Organization is preferred.

Excellent Communication skills are required.

Experience of working in a conflict environment is a plus.

Good working knowledge of English is required.

Fluency in one or more of the local state languages in the North Eastern part of Nigeria is preferred.

Procurement Specialist

Job TypeFull Time

QualificationBA/BSc/HND

Experience 3 years

Location Abuja

Job Field Procurement / Store-Keeping



Position Summary:

The Procurement Specialist is responsible for assisting with all facets of the day-to-day procurement requirements for a busy international development office. The scope of the position includes but is not limited to completing procurement-related paperwork, collecting quotations for goods and services, entering procurement information into the project database, managing inventory and conducting spot checks, completing inventory receipts and preparing payment requests. This position will be based in Abuja, with program activities expected to be carried out in the North Eastern states. Travel may be required.



Reporting & Supervision:

The Procurement Specialist reports to the Procurement Director.



Primary Responsibilities:

Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:



Apply procurement and cost-competition principles and bids received for goods and services.

Ensure appropriate procurement actions and checks and balances for all procurement –related functions

In coordination with the Procurement Officer and Procurement Director, procure goods and services for program and operational functions.

Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:



University degree is required.

Minimum three years’ experience in procurement/logistics including contracts and service agreements

Fluency in one or more of the local state languages in the North Eastern part of Nigeria is required.



Grants Specialist



Job TypeFull Time

QualificationBA/BSc/HND

Experience 3 years

Location Abuja

Job Field Administration / Secretarial Finance / Accounting / Audit



Position Summary:

The Grants Specialist is responsible for supporting the activities of the Grants officer in the geographic area to which s/he is assigned. This includes assisting with developing grant ideas, monitoring grant implementation, closing grants and maintaining all related electronic and paper files. Travel to field is anticipated. This position will be based in Abuja, with program activities expected to be carried out in the North Eastern states. Travel to field is anticipated.



Reporting & Supervision:

The Grants Specialist reports to the Grants Manager.



Primary Responsibilities:

Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:



Assist with management of all aspects of assigned grant portfolio throughout all stages of project development, implementation and closure; update associated trackers, such as the grant status and closing trackers.

Assist Grants Officer(s) with preparing project proposals through system database, incorporating project activities, deliverables, monitoring and evaluation plan, media plan within specific timelines.



Qualifications:



· University degree in public administration, economics, finance, business management or a related field is required.

· Three years’ experience in grants management with international donor programs is required.

· Experience in negotiating budgets, reviewing financial reports, file management is required.

· Prior experience with internationally-funded projects is highly desirable.

· Proficiency at using Microsoft office software: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc. is required.

· Fluency in one or more of the local state languages in the North Eastern part of Nigeria is required



Grants Officer

Job TypeFull Time

QualificationBA/BSc/HND

Experience 5 years

Location Abuja

Job Field Administration / Secretarial Finance / Accounting / Audit



Position Summary:

The Grants Officer is responsible for supporting a distinct portfolio of program activities. This includes developing grant ideas in collaboration with Program Development Office, supporting and monitoring grant implementation, closing grants and maintaining all required electronic and paper files. S/he will closely coordinate with Program Development Officers to ensure that projects are developed and implemented in a manner that advances project goals and current strategy objectives. This position will be based at the head office, located in Abuja, with program activities expected to be carried out in the North Eastern states.



Reporting & Supervision:

The Grants Officer reports to the Grants Manager.



Primary Responsibilities:

Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:



Manage all aspects of assigned grant portfolio throughout all stages of project development, implementation and closure. Manage associated timelines and donor reporting requirements for individual grant activities. Maintain internal trackers, such as the grant status and closing trackers. Monitor grant portfolio pipeline of financial commitments and disbursements.

Travel to project sites for follow up/support on activity implementation, as needed.

Perform other tasks, as assigned.

Qualifications:



University degree in public administration, economics, finance, business management or a related field is required.

Five years’ experience in grants management is required.

Prior experience with internationally-funded projects is highly desirable.

Demonstrated experience reviewing and negotiating budgets, reviewing financial reports, preparing for and monitoring audits of grantees, and file management.

Fluency in oral and written English is required.

Fluency in one or more of the local state languages in the North Eastern part of Nigeria is required



Finance Officer



Job TypeFull Time

QualificationBA/BSc/HND

Experience 3 years

Location Abuja

Job Field Finance / Accounting / Audit



Position Summary:

The Finance Officer is responsible for providing effective financial support to the project assuring compliance with internationally recognized finance policies and procedures. The scope of the position includes but is not limited to assisting with entering local transactions in accounting software, running monthly reports, processing travel advances, processing payroll, reviewing expense reports, monitoring receivables and payables, ensuring compliance with Nigerian and international finance regulations, ensuring adequate cash balances to cover project activities and processing wire transfer requests. This position will be based in Abuja, with program activities expected to be carried out in the North Eastern states. Travel may be required.



Reporting & Supervision:



The Finance Officer reports to the Finance Director.



Primary Responsibilities:

Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:



Apply internationally accepted accounting principles and procedures to analyzing financial information and prepare accurate and timely financial reports.

Prepare wire transfer requests, if any.

Perform other tasks, as assigned.

Qualifications:



University degree in accounting, finances or related field is required.

Prior experience with international organizations or international-funded projects is highly desirable.

Experience working in a conflict environment is a plus.

Fluency in oral and written English is required.

Fluency in one or more of the local state languages in the North Eastern part of Nigeria is required.

Program Development Manager – Governance

Job Type

QualificationBA/BSc/HND

Experience 5 years

Location Abuja

Job Field Administration / Secretarial



Position Summary:

The Program Development Manager for Governance (PDM-G) will lead flexible, innovative, and rapid programming activities throughout Borno State. The primary function of this position will be to identify, articulate and propose new areas of work. The PDM-G will focus primarily on developing activity ideas that support the Government of Borno State and are coordinated with state government liaisons.





Reporting & Supervision:



The Program Development Manager reports to the Country’s Program Director and will provide technical leadership and oversight to the Borno State Program Manager and Community Development Facilitators, who will assist in activity development, activity implementation oversight and reporting.



Primary Responsibilities:



Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:



Develop the overall program development strategy for Borno State through constant news monitoring, contact with Borno State government partners, contacting partners, donors, and regional staff;

Develop and maintain productive working relationship(s) with Borno State government liaisons. Communicate regularly through phone calls/email/skype and face to face meetings;





Qualifications:



University degree in political science, development or other related social sciences field is required; Master’s desired;

Minimum of five (5) years professional experience (including at least two years of supervisory experience) working in complex and challenging field operational contexts;

Prior experience with international development organizations, particularly with transition programming, and/or programs that have community-level engagement is required;

Fluency in oral and written communication skills in both English and Hausa; and

Fluency in Kanuri is desired.

Verification Manager

Job Type

QualificationBA/BSc/HND

Experience 5 years

Location Abuja

Job Field Administration / Secretarial Finance / Accounting / Audit



Position Summary:

The Verification Manager is responsible for managing the process of identifying and investigating inconsistencies in operation or project management areas, reviewing the financial and budgeting components of the program, ensuring compliance with International Development policies and regulations, verifying the information and assisting in raising overall performance and integrity at the organization. This position will be based at the head office, located in Abuja, with program activities expected to be carried out in the North Eastern states. Travel is expected.



Reporting & Supervision:

The Verification Manager reports to the Country’s Program Director.



Primary Responsibilities:

Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:



Develop and maintain a thorough technical understanding of current operational systems / processes and policy requirements within the project.

Identify, recommend and, as appropriate, oversee the implementation of continuous efficiency improvements to policies and procedures.

Ensure compliance with International Development policies and regulations.

Constantly challenge ways of working and seek continuous improvements.

Review overall budgeting and financial information of the project including cash flow administration, time sheet recording, and management of in-country expenses.



Qualifications:



University degree in quality management, quality assurance science, auditing, finances, business administration or other related field is required.

Five to seven years work experience in a related field is required.

Three to five years’ experience in finance and handling financial transactions in desired.

A broad understanding of issues related to international development is required.



Verification Officer



Job Type

QualificationBA/BSc/HND

Location Abuja

Job Field Administration / Secretarial Finance / Accounting / Audit



Position Summary:

The Verification Officer is responsible for assisting the Verification Manager in investigating inconsistencies in operation or project management areas, and verifying information to ensure compliance with internationally accepted policies and regulations. This position will be based at the head office, located in Abuja, with program activities expected to be carried out in the North Eastern states. Regular travel is expected.



Reporting & Supervision:

The Verification Officer reports to the Verification Manager.



Primary Responsibilities:

Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:



Assist the Verification Manager in reviewing overall budgeting and financial information of the project including cash flow administration, time sheet recording, and management of in-country expenses.

Assist the Verification Manager in producing updated monthly reports.

Ensure the maintenance of a strong system of internal controls to ensure high level of quality assurance compliance.

Ensure that all compliance files are maintained, organized, and accessible.

Other tasks, as assigned.

Qualifications:



University degree in quality management, quality assurance science, auditing, finances, business administration or other related field is required.

Three years’ work experience in a related field is required.

A broad understanding of issues related to international development is required.

Good communication and interpersonal skills is required.

Fluency in one or more of the local state languages in the North Eastern part of Nigeria is required.



State Program Manager



Job Type

QualificationBA/BSc/HND

Experience 5 years

Job Field Administration / Secretarial



Position Summary:

The State Program Manager (SPM) will be responsible for the development, contracting, implementation and close-out of a portfolio of activities at the state-level. The SPM will work with Abuja-based Program Development staff, NERI Senior Management, and community stakeholders to identify, prioritize and design activities that will respond to community development priorities in order to further the objectives of the NERI project. The SPM, working with state-level grants and implementation staff, will be charged with oversight of project activities to ensure that all tasks are completed within timeframe and budget parameters defined during project design. This position will be based in at a state-level office in north eastern Nigeria, with frequent coordination visits to Abuja.



Reporting & Supervision:

The State Program Manager reports to the Program Development Manager.



Primary Responsibilities:

Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:



Responsible general oversight of a portfolio of state-level projects.

In coordination with Community Development Facilitators, establish community-level project oversight committees to ensure community buy-in of activities.

Help set up transparent management and oversight mechanisms and work to incorporate as wide a range of project beneficiaries, GoN and other important stakeholders as possible

Perform other tasks, as assigned.

Qualifications:



· University degree in a related field is required.

· Five years’ experience in grants management with international donor programs is required.

· Experience in working with communities to implement grassroots development projects.

· Prior experience with internationally-funded projects is highly desirable.

· Proficiency at using Microsoft office software: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc. is required.

· Ability to work under short deadlines and efficiently handle multiple tasks.

· Attention to detail and the ability to function well in a team.

· Experience of working in a conflict environment is a plus.

· Fluency in oral and written English is required.

· Fluency in one or more of the local state languages in the North Eastern part of Nigeria is required





***modified by the MOD***



Method of Application

Interested applicants for this position MUST

submit the following documents before 31st

January, 2015

A current resume or curriculum vitae (CV)

listing all job responsibilities AND

A cover letter.

Please reference the job title and location on

the cover letter and resume or CV.

Alternatively, Please Submit Applications

to:



PO Box # 20350

ATTN: Human Resources Office

Abuja FCT, Nigeria.



Or to the following e-mail address:

nigeria_recruitment@neri-nigeria.com

Only short-listed candidates will be

contacted.




Unmanned Drone Crashes In Borno Village (Photos)





An unmanned drone suspected to be used on the counter-insurgency operation in the Northeast has crashed at Dumge village of Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State Monday afternoon, KSM News has learnt. Dumge is 30km northeast of Maiduguri.



Earlier same day CNN had reported that the U.S. Secret Service is investigating a “device,” described as a small drone, found on the grounds of the White House, a White House official said Monday, and Press Secretary Josh Earnest said early indications are that the device does not pose an ongoing threat.



The Secret Service is sweeping the White House grounds on Monday morning looking for anything else that might be on the ground.



At Mafa, KSM News could not dig deep to ascertain the source or make of the drone but one Muktar Usman says of the drone on the social media as follows: "It could be French. And what happened after that? The drone is still armed. I can see missiles attached to the wings. Locals have to be careful!"



The Nigerian military is yet to issue statement regarding the drone.
















Jonathan Lacks Will To Crush Boko Haram, Buhari Tells Kerry

The All Progressives Congress presidential candidate, Maj.Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), has listed the strategies that he would adopt to end insecurity in the country if elected President.



The methods, The PUNCH learnt, were unveiled by Buhari during his meeting with the United States Secretary of State, John Kerry, in Lagos on Sunday.



The source, who was one of the APC members that also attended the meeting, said on Monday that the strategies included the elimination of corruption, transparency in the management of defence budgets and an overhaul of the nation’s security apparatuses.



He said that Buhari highlighted the plans when Kerry expressed concern about the spate of insecurity in the North-East.



The source added, “Kerry said the US was interested in someone that could curb the Boko Haram menace. He said the concern of President Barack Obama was that terrorism should not spread beyond the North-East as it seemed to be doing so gradually.



“Kerry asked what the strategy of the APC would be in fighting insecurity.”



One of our correspondents gathered that while responding, Buhari said since he knows that corruption and lack of political will are some of the problems militating against the war against insurgency, he would tackle them headlong if elected.



Buhari was said to have told Kerry that the Goodluck Jonathan administration had spent billions of dollars on defence and that a large portion of the money was diverted by those in power.



It was also learnt that the APC candidate informed the Secretary of State that the President had turned a blind eye to this.



Buhari was said to have also stated that there was something wrong with the intelligence-gathering mechanism of the military. He therefore promised that he would revamp the security apparatuses of the government.



According to our source, the APC candidate said “that Boko Haram members were not ghosts but that they were gaining ground because the security agencies had been compromised.”



He said that the former Head of State also promised that transparency would be his watchword in the disbursement of defence budgets.



It was gathered that Buhari “promised to ensure that every kobo spent on security would be accounted for as this would ensure that our soldiers get the appropriate equipment and have their morale boosted.”



He was also said to have told Kerry that the Jonathan government once scuttled a hearing by the National Assembly on defence spending, an act that clearly showed that it was not ready to promote transparency in the management of the nation’s affairs.



“Buhari said when the National Assembly set up a hearing with the heads of security agencies to know how the defence budgets were being spent, the Presidency scuttled it because it was obvious that the money for equipment was not being spent judiciously. He said by such an act, the Jonathan government was not encouraging transparency in the way and manner money meant for security was being spent.”



The PUNCH gathered that APC leaders like the National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, who were also at the meeting, urged the US to impress it upon the Jonathan government to ensure that next month’s elections were not postponed.



Kerry was said to have expressed worry at the pre-election violence in the country but the APC leaders told him that they had nothing to do with it.



The APC Presidential Campaign Organisation has however welcomed the call by the US for free, fair and peaceful elections in Nigeria.



The organisation, in a statement by its Director, Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said it fully identified with Washington’s appeal to political parties to ensure credible polls.



According to the statement, the Jonathan administration and all responsible politicians should support the objectives of free, fair and peaceful polls as advocated by the US government.





The statement read in part, “He(Kerry) explained that the US and other members of the international community should not leave the Jonathan administration to its devices or whims and caprices, adding that the government must be held to these commitments to avoid any hanky-panky during the elections.



“On the US threat to deny visa to politicians that engage in electoral violence and malpractices, the APC Campaign organisation said it fully endorsed the measure to serve as a deterrent and give credibility to Nigeria’s democracy and electoral system.”



I can’t fight corruption by jailing people, Jonathan insists


Meanwhile, Jonathan has insisted that he will not fight corruption by jailing people.



He, however, stated that he would build a system that would block people’s direct access to funds.



The President said this at a corporate forum titled, ‘An Evening with Dr. Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan’ in Lagos on Sunday.



He said even if five million Nigerians were thrown into jail for corruption, graft would still continue if the system was porous.



He said, “People always say government is not fighting corruption but our position is very clear. We are fighting corruption and our position is that fighting corruption is not all about jailing people and showing them on television sets.



“In this country, we never had armed robbery until the civil war when small arms were being used. Initially, armed robbers were being shot in public and later in secret. But it did not stop armed robbery; so our commitment is in the British law system that states that it is better for nine criminals to go free than for one innocent person to suffer undue punishment. In that case, the concept of beyond reasonable doubt is always difficult to prove in corrupt cases and that is why they even accuse the EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission) of going for plea bargain.



“In the area of arrest, the EFCC has prosecuted more people and has secured more convictions than before but even if you prosecute 10 million Nigerians and convict five million, it will not stop corruption. Yes, you are fighting corruption which must continue but the most important thing is to block those avenues that corruption can occur.”



The President also promised to bring the fight against insurgency to an end if re-elected.



Earlier, many of his key ministers had spoken about the administration’s achievements.



For instance, the Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, said the recent rebasing of the GDP showed that the Jonathan administration had actually diversified the economy better than its predecessors.



Okonjo-Iweala, however, warned that there would be tough days ahead but maintained that the diversification of the economy would cushion the drop in the price of crude oil.



The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, said there had been giant strides in the oil sector but lamented that pipeline vandalism was affecting both oil production and revenue.



She said over 60,000 barrels of crude were still being lost to the act daily.



Also speaking, the Chairman, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, said the economy should be diversified such that oil would constitute only about 40 per cent of the nation’s revenue.



Dangote, who called on the government to ensure job creation, said it was unfortunate that within 90 days the price of oil went from $110 per barrel to less than $50.



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13 Reasons Why Sincere9gerian Will Vote For GEJ

This thread is open for supporters of GEJ to state the precise reasons why they'll vote for GEJ in the forthcoming presidential elections.



Armed with my PVC, below are the reasons why GEJ is my preferred presidential candidate.



1. For the consolidation of our democracy. It is an undeniable fact that under the watch of GEJ, Nigeria democracy has grown from a near one party state to a two major political parties state, just like the US. The opposition parties (APC, APGA, CPC, ACN, labour party, accord, etc)have won more elections under GEJ than at any other time in the history of Nigeria. This is actually good for our democracy because it will allow for checks and balances and more competition in the long run.



2. For the regime of free and fair election to be continued and consolidated in my country. For me, the greatest corruption is rigging and stealing of electoral mandate. GEJ has restored sanity to our electoral system so much so that the chorus amongst politicians these days is that their supporters should arm themselves with PVC for the election day. Therefore, my dear country has joined the league of advanced democracies where the voters card is a potent weapon. It was not so before. Before, in this same country, the voters card was useless. Before now, results of elections were written before election day.



3. For the free and vibrant press that we currently enjoy to continue



4. For work on the Second Niger Bridge to continue and be completed. Whether the enemies of progress like it or not, whereas in the last 30 years NOTHING was done about that very important bridge, in the last 4 years (2011 to 2015) and under the regime of GEJ, work has started on the Second Niger and very importantly, PROGRESS has been made. From nothing, the bridge was designed, contract awarded to a reputable construction giant (Julius Berger), preliminary works was started and completed, compensation that amounted to over #1 billion was paid to those with properties in the right of way and real construction work commenced on site. When you move from nothing to do all of that in 4 years, that is my definition of PROGRESS. I will vote for that progress to continue.



5.For ongoing works on various federal highways, especially those in the southeast to be continued and completed. Especially, the Enugu-Onitsha, Enugu-PH, Benin-Ore and Lagos-Ibadan roads. Except for maybe Gowon, I don't think any other past govt can match the record of GEJ in the road sector in the last 4 years. And the quality of work has been great. I will vote for that to continue.



6. For the reforms and revival of the railways to continue. The achievements of this govt in the railway sector has been impressive. The govt is not only restoring the narrow gauge lines that was allowed to rot away by past govt, they are also building brand new standard railways and the Abuja light rail. I will vote for that to continue.



7. Under this govt, we have seen very innovative policies and programmes that work on ground (not paper), such as YOUWIN, SURE-P, e-wallet for farmers, etc. I will vote for continuity of govt programmes that have been tested and trusted.



8. I will vote for the ongoing revolution in the agriculture sector to continue.



9. This govt has insisted that even in the area of corruption, PREVENTION is better than cure. Because I believe prevention is better than cure and that Buhari with his gang of thieves will not do better, I will vote for continuity. In any case, the Buhari approach failed in 1983 so let's try something else.



10. I will vote for continuity of the reforms in the power sector. The last thing that is needed in that sector now is policy somersault.



11. In the last 4 years, the federal govt, working with the state govt and the people have given relative peace to my state. I vote for that peace to continue.



12. Because I believe Nigeria is in need of urgent restructuring, I will vote for the implementation of the resolutions of the last national conference, even though the restructuring proposed were not far reaching enough. Most of the problems we complain of in Nigeria today are structural problems which can only be solved by restructuring the country.



13. Because Nigeria is considered by some as a turn-by-turn enterprise, I will vote for other parts of the country to also have a taste of the FULL dose of the pie, especially as the best Buhari can achieve if elected is to match the record of GEJ in the last 4 years. Buhari can take the turn of the north in 2019.




Buhari would lead the Nigerian military to fight Boko Haram - Osinbajo


VP candidate of the APC, Prof Yemi Osinbajo says if elected into government, Buhari would lead the Nigerian military in the fight against members of Boko Haram. Speaking at a town hall meeting organized by the Act Now Professionals in Abuja yesterday Jan 26th, Prof Osinbajo said the fight against Boko Haram can not be won by leading from the rear...

"The first priority is security and to question what has gone wrong in the military. Then, funding the military adequately and ensuring that the Commander-In-Chief leads from the front. But when he was Commander-In-Chief, Buhari led from the front as a soldier. You cannot lead from the rear. You cannot fail to go to where the insurgency is taking place and that is what Buhari has been saying.

"I think that the major problem with the question of security is again that it was not prioritised by this government. It was not taken seriously enough from the beginning. When you have a situation, you do not politicise the insurgency like that. You do not point to the opposition and say it is the opposition that is sponsoring it until General Buhari almost lost his life when Boko Haram attacked him. We must start by understanding that there is a war going on in that part of the country and what the government need to do is to get the nation behind it, not pointing accusing fingers at wrong places. We need to look at the whole question of funding and equipping the military. The military at the moment is not equipped. I worked with Femi Falana on the mutiny of some solders and what is the complaint of those soldiers who were charged with mutiny? Their complaint is that they were not given equipment and they wanted them to go to battle. So, how do you say that? How does anybody think that you can fight the insurgents without ammunition?” he said

Source: Punch


Photos: Unmanned Drone Reportedly Crashes In Borno Village (Unconfirmed)

An unmanned drone suspected to be used on the counter-insurgency operation in the Northeast has crashed at Dumge village of Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State this afternoon, KSM News has learnt. Dumge is 30km northeast of Maiduguri.



Earlier today CNN had reported that the U.S. Secret Service is investigating a “device,” described as a small drone, found on the grounds of the White House, a White House official said Monday, and Press Secretary Josh Earnest said early indications are that the device does not pose an ongoing threat.



The Secret Service is sweeping the White House grounds on Monday morning looking for anything else that might be on the ground.



At Mafa, KSM News could not dig deep to ascertain the source or make of the drone but one Muktar Usman says of the drone on the social media as follows: "It could be French. And what happened after that? The drone is still armed. I can see missiles attached to the wings. Locals have to be careful!"



The Nigerian military is yet to issue statement regarding the drone.



Photo credit: Hassan Mustapha



http://ift.tt/1H3McMN


Photos: Fire ravages two-storey building in Aguda


Fire broke out this morning at about 3.22am in the Aguda, Surulere area of Lagos. The fire ravaged a two-storey building, and destroyed properties worth millions of Naira.



According to an eyewitness report, fire services responded to the emergency call and were able to put out the fire. Thankfully, no life was lost. More pics and a chilling story after the cut..









The person who put out the report shared the story of how a mother left her child behind and ran after her box. Tweets below...








Senior Civil Servant Pregnant for Okada Rider





City People can inform you authoritatively that an Abeokuta-based Igbo babe who works in the Education Ministry at Federal Secretariat Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta is in a 3-month pregnancy mess over a love affair with an Okada rider. The Big Babe who is popularly known as Kelly drives a Bulldog Honda Accord and she lives in Japo area of Adigbe in Abeokuta. We gathered the highly sociable babe who speaks Yoruba fluently was posted from Abuja in 2012 to Abeokuta, where she met Azeez, an artisan who also uses Okada to hussle at night to sustain his family.







Our source added that Kelly’s close associates noticed some time in 2014 that her closeness to Azeez was so obvious that he became a regular face in her home and he would usually sleep over at her place. Kelly who is a graduate did not see anything wrong in dating an illiterate Okada rider and she was telling anbody who cared to listen that she was going to get married to the guy as his second wife. We gathered it was after 6 months and Kelly was pregnant for him that her family members in Abuja got to know about the development and they quickly rushed down to Abeokuta to do deliverance for her and also stop her relationship with Azeez.



Kelly’s family members are of the opinion that she was charmed by Azeez and they warned the guy seriously never to come near her again. We gathered that the family members have resolved to take full responsibility for the pregnancy and Kelly has been enrolled for antenatal treatment at a hospital in Adigbe area of Abeokuta.




Burial arrangements for late Muna Obiekwe announced





Candle night; February 1st 2015. Meeting point at Marsha, Roundabout, Surulere by 4pm. Procession from there to Ojez stadium. Dress code - white - but Tshirts will be provided at the venue.



Burial: 3rd February at Umudioka in Anambra state.

Announcer: Ibinabo Fiberesima AGN President


Most Beautiful Actress, Caroline Danjuma Returns To Nollywood (Photos)

At a point, she was addressed as a ex-actress because shortly after beautiful Nollywood diva, Caroline Ekanem Danjuma, married her billionaire husband, Musa Danjuma, they were speculation that he has banned her from acting for life.



However, the pretty mother of three might have stopped acting for a while, to raise her kids to a standard but just like Dakore Egbuson Akande, who went through same phase, Caroline is back to Nollywood and has started filming.



She excitedly shared some photos of herself and other Nollywood stars at a movie location.





http://ift.tt/1EJrtJt




I Love Buhari Because He Is Way Cuter Than Goodluck- Cossy Orjiakor


Lol, I wonder how we missed this. So Cossy was among the many Nigerians analysing Buhari’s certificate few days ago online. According to her, you shouldn’t be a president if all you have is a WAEC certificate, but Cossy feels less concerned about that in the case of Buhari-Jonathan saying, she’s so much with Buhari because he is way cuter than the president. Whoever speaks like this? Lol.



Part of the tweet read; Wow....I love Buhari. He is way cuter than Goodluck




Would You Be Comfortable To Allow Your Partner Go Through Your Phone?

Many people have different views about this. While majority are of the opinion that it's better you don't check your partner's phone so you will not get "Heart attack" (Lol) grin. They believe it's better you don't bother yourself about anything as long as your partner is not acting in a suspicious way.



However,,a lesser fraction of people see nothing wrong with it. As a matter of fact they believe it's a good way to earn your partner's trust.



But the question ponders. What is really bad in allowing our partners go through our messages? I feel a healthy relationship should be as transparent as anything. There shouldn't be anything to hide. So once you can't allow your partner check your phone it may mean you have something to hide. It mustn't necessarily be cheating but that is how it always is 97% of the time.



So i'd like to ask. Can you allow your partner go through your phone? Or Can you ask your partner to give you his/her phone to check? If yes,,please give your reasons. If no,,your reasons should also be stated.



Nairalanders,,please let's be sincere in our contributions. I know many of us may want to form/pretend other wise. grin



N:B This applies to both marriage and a normal relationship.


Burial arrangements for late Muna Obiekwe announced


Candle night; February 1st 2015. Meeting point at Marsha, Roundabout, Surulere by 4pm. Procession from there to Ojez stadium. Dress code - white - but Tshirts will be provided at the venue.



Burial: 3rd February at Umudioka in Anambra state.

Announcer: Ibinabo Fiberesima AGN President


Jimi Agbaje Bought Food For Everyone At A Buka

Jimi Agbaje was in Isolo last week and I got the report that he visited a popular Buka (local restaurant) and bought food for everybody he met there.



Is this part of 'stomach infrastructure'? I hear one of those he bought food for has been waxing lyrical about Jimi Agbaje and the PDP.